River-based cage aquaculture of tilapia in Northern Thailand : sustainability of rearing and business practices

Abstract:

Whereas most studies of cage culture have been carried out in ponds, lakes or reservoirs, cage-based aquaculture in rivers and other public water bodies raises issues of natural resource management that are closer to fisheries management than aquaculture in fish ponds on private land. This paper analyzes an emerging industry in the Upper Ping River in northern Thailand which helps serve the large and growing demand for farmed fish in Chiang Mai. Farmers appear to pay attention to environmental and market factors that pose risks to profitability of their operations, as good water quality means aquaculture can continue.